Car sales proved to be strong again in August with 4,808 new cars registered, 25% up on last year and even 18% up on August 2019.
So far, over 96,000 cars have found new owners this year, better than anyone could have hoped, although down on the 2019 figure at the same point in the year.
Vans (LCVs) also saw an increase to 2,972 registrations, which is again well above both 2020 and 2019 figures.
Used car imports were down again, demonstrating the twin effects of Brexit and Nox charges with 5,088 cars imported into the state. This compares to over 8,000 in 2020 and 9,706 in August 2019. That said, the year to date figure is up on last year, standing at the moment at 46,185.
Sales of electric vehicles are still showing strong signs of growth with 831 EVs sold in August, compared to just under 300 in August 2020. So far this year, sales are running at 7,057, a major increase over the same period last year when sales hit 2,954 units.
The combined market share of EVs, PHEVs and hybrids is now 30.76%. Diesel is still the most popular choice at 34% while petrol engined vehicles account for 32.5% of the market.
Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General commented: “The appetite among consumers for new cars, boosted by pent-up demand and strong consumer savings, that was in evidence in July has continued into August. The new car market has in recent years been hampered not only by the pandemic, but also by Brexit related issues, and this has seen several years of a weakened new car market. What is positive is that those businesses and consumers who have been buying new cars are choosing lower emitting vehicles across all fuel types. In particular there has been a significant uplift in the sale of new electric cars since the start of this year. As we move into a post pandemic economic environment, it is vital that the momentum behind this drive to lower emissions is maintained and built upon. In this context, it is important that both the Government and the Motor Industry deliver affordable transport options to give consumers the real choice to make positive environmental decisions. For the Industry this means continued investment in driving down emissions from the vehicles they produce. For Government any Budgetary measures in relation to new cars must support a strong new car market that focuses on lower emitting vehicles, and also on getting older higher emitting vehicles off the road. We need integrated incentives to build consumer confidence and encourage behavioural change across both the new and used vehicle markets. In Budget 2022 this means a Budget that encourages consumers and business to trade up to a lower emitting vehicle. The electric vehicle grants, the zero percent Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) for company cars and other incentives are vital supports to increase the sales of EVs and these need to be extended. While State and commercial investment in a nationwide EV charging infrastructure is key to giving motorist more confidence in the essential strategic EV project”.
Top 5 selling car makes
1. Toyota
2. Volkswagen
3. Hyundai
4. Skoda
5. Ford
Top 5 selling car models
1. Hyundai Tucson
2. Toyota Corolla
3. Toyota Yaris
4. Toyota Rav-4
5. Volkswagen Tiguan
ends 552
